After minimal playing time most of the season, Haslem is putting together a strong campaign for minutes. As coach Erik Spoelstra put it, “When it really matters and you start to get ready for the playoffs, he has a way of kicking doors open. He’s muscled his way into the rotation.”

Haslem scored a season-high 17 points, 12 of them coming in the first quarter, during Miami’s 110-78 victory at Detroit tonight. He also had five rebounds. Over the past two weeks, he had 14 points in a start at Boston and played solid defense off the bench against Indiana center Roy Hibbert.

As if that is not enough, LeBron James is lobbying for him to play more.

“If I gotta go into a dark alley, I know he’s the one I want to go in with,” James said. “He’s gonna be ready no matter what. He’s made a living off that corner jumper and rebounding and being tough. It’s always great to have him on the floor.”

Here’s what Haslem said tonight after his best game of the year:

How do you break out a game like this when you are not playing consistently?
“Just staying ready, man. Gotta give a shoutout to my boys J.J., Rashard, Beas, Toney and even big J-Ham. We’ve been playing three-on-three upstairs to keep each other ready. We keep each other in shape.”

Why has your jump shot been so sharp?
“Free mind, no pressure. Just going out and shooting.”

How hard has this year been?
“It’s disappointing, obviously. You want to be out there and contribute, but you’ve got to stay engaged. I’ve been cheering my guys on and coaching guys, making syure I stay involved in everything that goes on on the floor.”

What kind of test has it been to sit out so many games?
“It was different, but in my life and my career, I’ve pretty much seen everything but the wind. I take it in stride and I kept telling myself my time will come.”